RETURN TO SOCIAL WORK PROGRAMME TIMELINE FOR COUNCILS

STAGE 1 – Sign-up To sign up to the programme, councils should register their interest via the ‘Information for Councils’ page on our website. They will then be asked to complete an online application form.

The deadline for councils to sign up to the programme, in order to offer placements and/or vacant roles, is 30 April 2020.

If councils would like more information before they sign up to the programme, they are welcome to contact the LGA’s returner support team via returntosocialwork@local.gov.uk.

STAGE 2 – Attend Information Sessions (optional) The LGA’s returner support team will deliver a number of online webinars to provide councils with more information about the programme and what their participation involves.

The webinar schedule will be circulated to those who have formally registered their interest in the programme.

STAGE 3 – Submit Placement Offers The deadline for councils to sign up to the programme is 30 April 2020.

Once registered, councils will be asked to provide details on what placements and/or vacant roles they can offer our candidates. Councils are requested to supply this information by 30 April 2020. STAGE 4 – Candidates Complete Placements During this time, candidates will complete placements with participating councils. The specific dates are dependent on the availability of councils and candidates, and the social care specialism offered.

Placement length will differ depending on how long a candidate has been out of practice for, but as a minimum all candidates must complete 10 days. If possible, we would like councils to offer between 10 and 20 days.

Longer placements can be negotiated with individual candidates.

STAGE 5 – Submit Employment Vacancies Councils will be contacted in July and asked to submit the number of vacancies they have available, which our candidates can interview for. They will also be asked to specify what social care area they would like to recruit into.

STAGE 6 – Interview Candidates Councils will receive expressions of interest from candidates, accompanied by covering letters and CVs. They will then have the opportunity to shortlist the candidates and arrange interviews with those that best fit their criteria.

Following successful interview, councils can make candidates an offer of employment and fill their social worker vacancies.

Stage 7 – Attend Returners’ Ceremony (Optional) Councils will be invited to a returners’ ceremony where they can network with other councils that have taken part in our programme.

For further information about the programme or to apply, please visit www.local.gov.uk/return-to-social-work or email returntosocialwork@local.gov.uk